With an injury-depleted forward corps so far this season, the Seattle Sounders have brought in some reinforcements. The club announced Friday that it has signed forward Will Bates. He was the club's first selection (fifth overall) in the 2013 Supplemental Draft, and has been training with the club since February.
Bates, 22, played collegiately at the University of Virginia, where he scored 46 goals in 77 matches. He was also a member of the US Under-20 national team, and was named to the 2012 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.
READ: Bates shines in chance at center forward
"Will is dangerous in the box and always plays hard," said Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson. "He can score with both feet and with his head. He provides us with depth at forward and we are excited to have him in Seattle."
The Sounders also announced Friday that they have waived defender Andrew Duran. He was the 15th overall selection of Seattle in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, but he never made an appearance with the first team, spending part of last season on loan to the Atlanta Silverbacks.
